I am a business owner who loves to write. I print many books each year. In the past year, authors made millions of new books. A book layout google docs setup can save you time and cash.
First of all, you do not need costly tools. You can make a perfect book format right on the web. I will share my own method to make your text look great. This guide holds the real secrets of book print.
- You can set exact book sizes with simple add on tools.
- Proper borders ensure that the printer does not cut off your words.
- A clean font makes your business book easy to read.
Get Started With book layout google docs
I recall when I built my first business guide. At that time, I felt very lost by all the rules. However, I found out that the task is quite simple. A good book layout google docs file just needs the right paper size.
You cannot set a custom page size by default. Therefore, you must add a small tool. Page Sizer is a free tool you can find in the menu. Pure magic.
You click on the add on link. Then you type in the exact inches you need. Most business books use a standard size of six inches by nine inches. Just like that.
Top Trim Sizes For Your Book
You must pick a size before you type your text. If you change it later, your text will shift. I suggest these standard sizes for a crisp look. See the table below for my top picks.
| Book Type | Width | Height |
| Standard Fiction | 5.5 inches | 8.5 inches |
| Business Book | 6.0 inches | 9.0 inches |
| Large Workbook | 8.5 inches | 11.0 inches |
This table shows the most common book sizes. Similarly, you should measure books on your shelf to find your best size. You will see that six by nine is a great choice.
Master Borders And Space
Proper borders are very key for a print book. You must leave room for the bind glue. This middle space is called the book gutter. A real lifesaver.
If you do not leave enough space, your words will hide in the spine. Additionally, you need an outer border of at least half an inch. This makes the text look clean.
You can set these borders in the page setup menu. I always use a one inch border for my top and base edges. Plus, I set my line space to one point five. These simple steps will make your book layout google docs look great.
Border Needs By Page Count
Thick books need wider inner borders. A book with one hundred pages opens flat. On the contrary, a book with four hundred pages curves a lot.
| Page Count | Inside Gutter Margin | Outside Margin |
| 24 to 150 pages | 0.375 inches | 0.5 inches |
| 151 to 400 pages | 0.75 inches | 0.5 inches |
| 401 to 600 pages | 0.875 inches | 0.5 inches |
The table above reveals the exact rules for print books. You must follow these numbers to dodge print errors. Later, you will be glad you did this right.
Text And Fonts For A Clean Look
Your choice of font matters a lot. Mature men and women prefer fonts that are easy to read. I always use a clean serif font for my body text. Very key.
You must avoid fancy fonts for your main text. Similarly, you should avoid tiny text sizes. I set my font size to eleven or twelve points. This size is perfect for tired eyes.
Here are my top font picks for a book layout google docs task. They work very well. You will love them.
- Times New Roman
- Garamond
- Georgia
- Palatino
Gradually, I learned to use top styles for chapter titles. You mark the chapter name and pick style one. This creates a fast table of contents. A neat trick.
Add Final Touches And Export
You are almost done with your book. On top of that, you must add page numbers. You do this from the insert menu. Simple and fast.
I always put my page numbers at the bottom center. Though, you can place them on the outer edges if you wish. Just be sure to uncheck the box for the first page. You do not want a number on the title page.
Finally, you must save your work right. You must export the file as a PDF file for print. Do not send a word file to a pro printer. The PDF freezes your layout so nothing moves.
FAQ’s
Can I write a book in this app?
Yes, you absolutely can. I write all my business books here. It saves my work in the cloud on its own. You never lose a single word.
How do I change the page size?
You use a free tool. I suggest you search for the page sizer add on. You type your exact width and height. A book layout google docs page setup is very easy.
What is a book gutter?
A book gutter is the blank space where the pages bind. You must make this border wide enough. Otherwise, readers cannot see the words near the spine. You must plan ahead.
Should I double space my lines?
No, you should not do that. Double spaces make the book too long. Also, it costs too much to print. You should use one point five line spaces instead.
Before you finish, you can also review make google docs look like a book to make your decision more practical.
Keep format google docs like a book open as an extra reference when you apply these ideas.
Conclusion
I hope this guide helps your business path. To build a book layout google docs file is very fun. You save money and keep full control of your art. True freedom.
You just need to follow the border rules closely. Use clear fonts for your mature readers. Therefore, your final print will look like a gem. Go out and publish your great book today!
If you want a wider view before choosing your next step, read google docs make a book for a closely related guide.
This connects well with book format on google docs, especially when you want to compare options before acting.
Another useful resource is book format google docs because it expands the same topic from a different angle.
For additional trusted background, see the Google Docs Editors Help.
